RASC News Agency: A cadre of ophthalmologists in the western province of Herat, Afghanistan, attests that 75% of the local populace grapples with visual impairment, abstaining from the use of eyeglasses, contributing to an escalating trend in these statistics. Habib Rahmani, an ophthalmologist in Herat, relayed to a RASC correspondent on Monday, December 25, that the eyesight of many individuals is progressively weakening due to the lack of accustomed use of eyeglasses. He emphasized that the adoption of eyeglasses can markedly enhance vision and stave off its deterioration.
Rahmani expounded further, stating, “When partaking in meals, one must consider various factors, avoiding the consumption of salty and fatty foods, among others, to ensure overall health, particularly for the eyes.” Furthermore, Khalil Ahmad, a resident of Herat, shared with a RASC correspondent that it has been more than a year since his eyesight commenced weakening, prompting the adoption of eyeglasses. He added that during the initial days of wearing glasses, he experienced a sense of embarrassment, but over time, he acclimated to them and has been utilizing glasses since. Ahmad articulated, “Individuals with weakened eyesight should expeditiously seek consultation with eye doctors and perceive the act of wearing glasses as a cultural manifestation of wellness.”
Notwithstanding, Osman Ghafoori, an eyeglass vendor in Herat, informed RASC that a substantial number of individuals deem the use of eyeglasses as an improper practice. He asserted that wearing glasses can protract the longevity of vision and provide significant assistance to individuals. Ghafoori noted that out of a population of four million in Herat, merely five to ten individuals frequent his store to procure eyeglasses, a notably meager number in comparison to the province’s total population. It is noteworthy that the eyesight of women in the Herat province is reportedly weaker than that of men, underscoring the imperative need for attention to address this concern.
